A businesswoman who was shot and wounded alongside her bodyguard after dropping her child at a crèche in Bedfordview has allegedly been “orchestrating and facilitating” kidnappings for ransom within the Ethiopian community.
The woman, whose identity is known to TimesLIVE Investigations, is the wife of a man who was one of six suspects arrested in Mayfield, Ekurhuleni, in connection with the kidnapping of an Ethiopian businessman in January.
He appeared in the Johannesburg magistrate’s court and, with his co-accused, abandoned their bid for bail before their matter was postponed to March 31. The court ordered that he may not be identified.
An officer attached to the intelligence unit and close to investigations said the woman was a “central figure” in kidnappings operating in Johannesburg’s CBD.
“She has been on our radar and we have been looking into her activities and found that some of her actions have been suspicious. We have not been able to positively link her to any kidnappings as yet but we are looking into it,” said the officer.
Police spokesperson Lt-Col Mavela Masondo said the motive for the shooting has not been ascertained.
“She is not a person of interest or a suspect in any of the cases we’re investigating,” said Masondo.
The woman and her bodyguard are recovering in hospital.
Members of the Ethiopian community say they are aware of her alleged involvement.
“She owns a business in Johannesburg. Most of the kidnappings are of business people who own shops around her shop. She knows who is making money and who can afford [ransom]. She will befriend them and get information on them. Nobody has been suspecting [her]. She will know all their movements and their income,” said a leader in the Ethiopian community.
“After she has gathered enough information, she will then get the six suspects or some of them to grab the victim and ask for a ransom.”
At the time of her husband’s arrest, police said the six men were linked to 16 kidnappings for ransom cases.
The head of a security company in Bedfordview, who asked not to be named, said he was hazy about the details pertaining to her shooting but said she had recently approached his company for protection.
“About six weeks ago she came into my office and asked if I offered bodyguard services. I told her I didn't, even though I do,” said the company boss. He said he didn't want to risk the lives of his security personnel.
Masondo said: “Two cases of attempted murder are under investigation.
“Police are on the lookout for the suspect or suspects and are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension to call the nearest police station or Crime Stop on 08600-10111. Information can also be given anonymously via the MySAPS app, which can be downloaded on any smartphone.”
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